Of course, this ends up feeling like 17-0-7; all work and no play. In the end, this drives me and those around me quite mad. I sense homeworking has made more people feel this way. I definitely wouldn’t call this book a rom-com. The underlying story of grief and loss experienced by both characters was too serious for this book to be considered comedic. Noelle’s life is kind of depressing, and while Sam provides her with an escape, it isn’t in a humorous way. Usually the hallmarks of rom-coms are scenes of banter and chemistry between the love interests, and there wasn’t really any of that either. There was no steam or even closed-door sex scenes in this book. The two strangers part, positive they’ll never see each other again, but fate, it seems, has a different plan. As the two keep serendipitously bumping into one another, they begin to realize that perhaps there truly is no such thing as coincidence. With plenty of charming twists and turns and Lia Louis’s “bold, standout voice” (Gillian McAllister, author of The Good Sister), Eight Perfect Hoursis a gorgeously crafted novel that will make you believe in the power of fate. My thoughts A: I always toy with different points of view before I write, but this was one of those things that came so naturally, that I almost couldn’t choose another path. Noelle’s voice came so naturally to me, I felt like she was in my head. I also really wanted the reader to feel and understand Noelle’s journey, so when things did start to work out for her, and she started to take control of her own life, there would be a sense of satisfaction and like the reader was taking every step with her.

In this romantic and heartwarming novel, two strangers meet in chance circumstances during a blizzard and spend one perfect evening together, thinking they’ll never see each other again. But fate seems to have different plans.

Customer reviews

This has been a challenge for everyone in the past year, but I have long struggled with it. As a freelance writer and broadcaster, there’s always something I could or should be doing. I’m not looking for pity here; in most ways, I love it, but I find it impossible to focus entirely on working or not working. As a loved one says to me, in jest as well as exasperation: “Your life is always half holiday, half work; it’s never one or the other.” I kind of alternate an hour worked and an hour not, all day long. So on the FYWLBI, I’m at 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-7. Here it is. A letter from past me, to future you. God, it’s so strange writing this, knowing fifteen years from now, you’re actually going to be reading these words. The Future Noelle Butterby! I wonder where you’ll be, and who you’ll end up becoming. I suppose that’s what this is for—to write down our predictions and hopes for each other. (And you’d better have put Leo DiCaprio in my letter, Elle, and not just a date and a measly kiss goodnight either. I’m talking sweaty car scene in Titanic, with added Boyz II Men songs and less iceberg-related deaths, obviously.)

In this romantic and heartwarming novel, two strangers meet in chance circumstances during a blizzard and spend one perfect evening together, thinking they’ll never see each other again. But fate seems to have different plans. From the acclaimed author of the “swoon-worthy…rom-com” ( The Washington Post ) Dear Emmie Blue.The road opens and the two carry on with their lives. But fate has other plans for this couple, as serendipity throws them together again and again. Perhaps there is something more in play here besides mere coincidence? Book Review Are there a large number of coincidences in this book, almost to the point of them being silly? Yes. However, nothing is impossible in a romance novel, and in this second book I've read by Louis, she has a way with weaving these coincidences to make them seem like fate. And that's always sigh-worthy. This one didn’t quite have the same emotional punch for me, as DEAR EMMIE BLUE, maybe because I didn’t feel as much spark (it could be rated G) or maybe because much of the book takes place while the characters are apart, but the author does a fantastic job of coming full circle and returning to the secret held within the camera, much as she did, with the secret associated with the balloon in the last book.

Pros: legit funny, heartwarming, good use of ain't shit ex to prop up love interest, Noelle is easy to empathize with, fast-paced, great side characters, everything was nicely wrapped up which could be a con if you prefer a few jagged edges left, lil intrigue throughout with a great twist!! In the novel, people like Daisy, Charlie, and Ian are as much family as anyone biologically related to Noelle. What is the novel saying about chosen family and the lifelong connections we make with those who cross our paths? Snow relentlessly tumbles outside, and as if synchronized, the sea of orange brake lights illuminating the slushy road ahead starts to go out one by one, like blown flames. Drivers giving up, engines killed. I loved this book. The story is filled with many twists and turns which leave the reader only guessing what will happen next. It is emotional, heartfelt and beautifully written and the story kept me engaged throughout. It is the detail of character development, however, that makes this book truly shine.

Featured Reviews

With no end in sight, Sam and Noelle decide to pass the time together, talking, laughing, and sharing stories. But don’t worry: a few weeks later: they bump into each other and this happens again and again: I know you start furrowing your brows but don’t do that! This book’s magical and fairytal-ish tone can fit with the entire coincidental premise! Eight Perfect Hours is my second book by Lia Louis and she definitely has a distinct writing style. I loved the premise of this book and especially enjoyed the way that Noelle and Sam met. They had the perfect evening together amidst the bad situation they found themselves in. After that night, Sam stayed on Noelle's mind, even though the likelihood of her seeing him again was low. Or so she thought. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started Eight Perfect Hours. The cover made me think holiday romance, and the synopsis reminded me of This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens. I ended up getting a little of both, along with all kinds of emotions I wasn’t expecting!